Bobbin Detection Mechanism for Roving Frame Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bobbin transfer systems in roving frames require separate mechanisms for full and empty bobbins due to different heights, complicating the structure and operation, especially when full bobbin hangers and empty bobbin hangers are disposed at the same height.

Innovation Solution

A bobbin detection mechanism using a plurality of full and empty bobbin hangers arranged alternately, with a rail member guiding them, and a through-beam type photoelectric sensor system that includes a sensor light emitter, receiver, and a vertically movable member with a sensor light shield to detect empty bobbins even when held by full bobbin hangers, allowing for simultaneous detection and simplified transfer operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full bobbin hangers and empty bobbin hangers are disposed at different heights, then the full bobbins and empty bobbins can be transferred separately, but the device structure becomes complicated and requires separate transfer mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtransfer mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transfer path for full bobbins and empty bobbins into a single rail member, allowing both types of bobbins to be transferred at the same height. This eliminates the need for separate transfer mechanisms and reduces device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the photoelectric sensor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rail member is designed to serve as a universal transfer path for both full bobbin hangers and empty bobbin hangers. This multi-functional design allows a single structure to handle different types of bobbins, eliminating the need for separate transfer mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If full bobbin hangers and empty bobbin hangers are disposed at the same height, then the transfer mechanism is simplified, but it becomes difficult to detect empty bobbins held by full bobbin hangers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer mechanism complexityVSAvoidempty bobbin detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple photoelectric sensors positioned at different locations. By dividing the detection function across multiple sensors, the system can detect empty bobbins held by full bobbin hangers without requiring different heights for hanger placement, thus maintaining a simplified transfer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a photoelectric sensor as an intermediary detection device that can detect empty bobbins held by full bobbin hangers. This intermediary sensor system enables detection at the same height by using optical fields to penetrate and detect the presence of bobbins, solving the detection difficulty without complicating the transfer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If separate transfer mechanisms are provided for full bobbins and empty bobbins, then the transfer operations can be performed independently, but the overall device structure and operation become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer operation independenceVSAvoidoverall device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transfer operations for full bobbins and empty bobbins into a single integrated system using one rail member. This merging approach maintains operational independence through controlled movement while eliminating the need for separate transfer mechanisms, thus reducing overall device structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single rail member is used for both full and empty bobbin hangers, then the device structure is simplified, but the detection of empty bobbins becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidempty bobbin detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is segmented into multiple photoelectric sensors positioned at different locations along the single rail member. This segmentation allows the system to detect empty bobbins held by full bobbin hangers without requiring separate rail members, thus maintaining a simplified device structure while solving the detection difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses photoelectric sensors to detect bobbins in the optical dimension rather than relying on physical separation in the spatial dimension. By using light fields to detect the presence of empty bobbins, the system can distinguish between full and empty bobbins on the same rail member without complicating the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables detection of empty bobbins held by full bobbin hangers at the same height, simplifying the transfer process by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for full and empty bobbins, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a full bobbin hanger photoelectric sensor including a full bobbin hanger sensor light emitter configured to emit a sensor light in a bobbin hanger arrangement direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3892576B1Bobbin detection mechanism in a bobbin transport device for roving frame
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORP
  • EP3892576B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3892576B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3892576B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A bobbin detection mechanism (36) in a bobbin transport device (20) for a roving frame (10) includes a plurality of full bobbin hangers (21F, 61F, 80F), a plurality of empty bobbin hangers (21E, 61E), and a full bobbin hanger photoelectric sensor (37) configured to emit a sensor light (L, L1). Each of the full bobbin hangers (21F, 61F, 80F) includes a full bobbin shaft portion, and a full bobbin vertically movable member (49, 69, 81) movable up and down relative to the full bobbin shaft portion (45). The bobbin detection mechanism (36) includes a full bobbin hanger sensor light shield (51, 71, 83) formed in the full bobbin hanger vertical movable member (49, 69, 81), and configured to block the sensor light (L, L1) from the full bobbin hanger sensor light emitter (38) when the full bobbin vertically movable member (49, 69, 81) is positioned at the holding position.